[npteljes]

>we’ve started simulating it from the bottom up.

Not really though, as I understand it. Simulating from the bottom up would be akin to simulating neurons and such, or even the molecules that make up the brain and the connected systems. What we've done is creating a complex system whose emergent behavior's output is similar in specific ways to a human brain. And significantly more so, compared to the previous attempts.

And yes, many aspects of our existence is comparable to a machine. Which can be a very good thing, since we can apply many of the knowledge to get improvements, like we can train, debug, and fix some things. In fact I consider the realization you're having essential for personal development, because you can now leave behind things that you previously considered "you", now that they turned out to be not really "you" but just something you do, and most others do too, to get closed to what "you" really are. And do better in things that you think "you" are not!

[cmpalmer52]

Yes, I know it’s not modeling our neurons and connectivity directly, but it’s closer than traditional software or “expert systems” approach. And, lo and behold, we’re seeing emergent behavior that seems to resemble some of quirks of our meat network.

Even the mistakes it made seem like the kind of mistakes people make, not the kind of mistakes software usually makes.

[npteljes]

I agree it's remarkable. Both the theory, and the feelings it induced in me while conversing with it.